The GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty, full-size pickup truck manufactured and sold by the GMC division of General Motors. The Sierra 1500 is popular with commercial and individual buyers alike, thanks in large part to a wide array of options that satisfy the requirements of both groups. The 2011 Sierra 1500 is improved in regards to trim and finish, adding a new level of quality to the light-duty pickup truck.
The Sierra 1500 line features a number of standard and optional engines, all of which belong to the Vortec family of engines. The 4.3-liter Vortec V6 is one of the base engines available, with an output of 195 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque. A 4.8-liter and a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 are also available, both producing 302 and 315 horsepower, and 305 and 335 pound feet of... View more torque, respectively. The largest engine available is the 6.2-liter Vortec V8, with 403 horsepower and 417 pound feet of torque. Both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter Vortec engines feature Active Fuel Management, which delivers up to a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel economy by deactivating one bank of cylinders during light engine loads. 4-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions are available, depending on the engine choice.
The Sierra was once a trim designation on the GMC C/K series of full-sized pickup trucks. Most GMC trucks were little more than clones of their Chevrolet counterparts, with only slight deviations in trim to differentiate them from the slightly cheaper Chevrolet trucks. GMC turned the Sierra into a unique model with a 1988 redesign that resulted in a more modern, slightly more aerodynamic look. The automaker introduced the current Sierra platform in 2007, featuring improvements over the previous generation's platform.
The Sierra is available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab configurations. The extended cab and crew cab offer 5-passenger seating, with the crew cab equipped with four full-sized doors in exchange for reduced bed length. Regular and extended cab styles have both long and short bed options. Other options include four-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes, external engine oil cooler, upgraded alternator, engine block heater and skid plate. The StabiliTrak system, with traction control and roll-over protection, is standard. Amenities such as leather seats, automatic air conditioning, multi-adjustable power seats and rear parking assist are available upon request.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Sierra 1500 varies, depending on the configuration in question. Prices generally range from $21,000 for a regular cab, standard work truck to over $40,000 for a fully-loaded Sierra with four-wheel drive. EPA estimated fuel economy for city driving ranges from 12 miles per gallon to 15 miles per gallon, depending on the model. Highway driving nets between 18 miles per gallon and 22 miles per gallon. View less
